Class Syllabus

Sixth Grade - Language Arts Syllabus

Lakeview Middle School

Mr. Matt McGinty

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to 6th grade Language Arts. In this comprehensive literacy course students will be focused on continuing to develop as successful readers, writers, public speakers, and critical thinkers. This course is aligned with current Common Core standards and integrates cutting-edge technology to meet learning objectives. This is also a rigorous class that will require dedication and hard work in class and at home. I have very high expectations for each of my students and I am committed to partnering with students and families to help promote academic success for all.

GRADING POLICY

Students’ overall grade percentages are based on their performance in the following weighted categories:

The following grading scale is used to determine a student’s final letter grade for the quarter:

90 – 100% = A

80 – 89% = B

70 – 79% = C

60 – 69% = D

59% or Below = F

Students are also able to check their grades regularly online using School Loop, as well as on posted class grade reports. Students should always know what their current grade is and what, if any, assignments are missing. Student progress grade reports will also be sent home periodically and are required to be signed by a parent or guardian.

ATTENDANCE / LATE WORK

Regular attendance is essential in this class. In the event of an excused absence, students will be allowed a few extra days to make up missing assignments in order to receive full credit. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the teacher that he/she has been absent and to pick up or inquire about all missing assignments.

Students who are absent may also access the day’s agenda (which should include an explanation of the day’s learning objective and associated assignments) on the class blog. You can access the class blog by visiting the website: 6thlanguagearts.blogspot.com. Students can also find copies of digital assignments in Google Classroom.

All assignments must be turned in on time in order to receive full credit. However, a student may turn in late assignments at any time within a grading quarter in order to receive partial credit. Students who do not turn in assignments on time may have consequences, including the possibility of a phone call home and/or a lunchtime detention.

REQUIRED CLASSROOM MATERIALS

The following materials must be with the student each class day:

Chromebook (fully charged)

Sharpened Pencils (at least 3)

Binder with paper and dividers and/or folders for each class

Accelerated Reader Book(s)

PARENT/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITY

The role of parents in supporting their child’s education is so important. I offer a sincere thank you to all parents, guardians, and family members for all you do in helping to ensure your child’s success at school. Here is a suggested list of specific things you can do to support your child in my class:

Remind students to charge, care for, and bring their Chromebooks to school each day.

Check the class blog, School Loop, and Google Classroom regularly in order to stay on top of class requirements, upcoming assignments, and grades.

Help your child as best you can on assignments and projects and/or encourage them to seek help from me before school, at lunch, or after school.

Encourage your child to read the required 30 minutes each night and to take Accelerated Reader quizzes on the books they read.

Help students study for regular quizzes and tests.

Check in with your child regularly about their progress and what they’re learning in class.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND BEHAVIOR POLICY

Students in my class have agreed upon several specific classroom responsibilities:

To be ready to learn.

To do their best work.

To treat each other and teachers with mutual respect.

To listen attentively.

To work together cooperatively.

To participate actively.

If students fail to honor their classroom responsibilities, there are specific procedures and consequences.

1st offense – Student receives a warning.

2nd offense – Student may receive a time-out outside during class to reflect on their behavior and/or a lunch detention (30 minutes with teacher during lunch).

3rd offense – Student may receive a “Central Detention” (45 minutes after school, which becomes part of student’s permanent record) and a phone call home.

4th offense – Student may receive “Office Referral” (sent to office with the possibility of severe consequences) and a phone call home.

CONTACT INFORMATION

I strongly encourage parents to get in touch with me regarding the progress of their child and/or with any questions concerns they might have. You may also check our class blog regularly to monitor what you child is learning, assigned work, and class requirements.

OVERVIEW OF LEARNING OBJECTIVES

The work students do this school year will be aligned with the recently adopted national Common Core standards. The Common Core is a set of high-quality academic standards which outline what a student should know and be able to do at the end of each grade. The English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA) Common Core standards are divided into several strands, including Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening, and Language. The following is a brief overview of several of the 6th Grade ELA learning objectives students will be working on mastering this school year:

Reading:

Use evidence from the text to support analysis of what the text says.

Analyze the theme, setting, plot, and characters of a piece of literature.

Compare and contrast texts of different forms that focus on the same topic.

Summarize text while leaving out personal opinion.

Determine the figurative and literal meaning of word and phrases based on how they are used in a text.

Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it is supported by key details.

Determine an author’s point of view and how it is conveyed through the text.

Evaluate arguments and claims in a text.

Writing:

Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.

Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.